Shillong Lajong FC and Rangdajied United FC played out a goalless draw at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Shillong in the second Shillong Derby of the I-League season.

Shillong Lajong started on a very promising note with plenty of possession but never created any real chances until Uilliams’ shot in the 40th minute was punched away by Rangdajied United goalkeeper Rehenesh TP. As for Rangdajied United, who were coming into the match with the threat of relegation did not create any major chances of their own as well. The match remained in the midfield as both teams lacked any creativity up front. Both teams went into the break with the scoreboard unchanged.

The second half did not vary much from the first with Rangdajied United remaining content with the proceedings and did not look like creating any more chances. They remained deep and never countered the Lajong offense as the Reds were enjoying greater possession of the ball in the second half. Shillong Lajong brought in striker Durga Boro in 66th minute to strengthen the attack but to no avail. The game remained in midfield with both teams finding it hard to press into the opponent’s box. With not much excitement in the game, the referee blew the final whistle to end the match in a goalless draw.

Shillong Lajong’s coach Thangboi Singto said in a post-match press conference that the performance was “disappointing”. He also added, “We did not play the type of football we could play or we would like to play.”

Rangdajied United FC coach Herring Shangpliang was not present for the derby but assistant coach Khlain Syiemlieh stepped in and said he was “happy with the result”. Speaking in the post-match press conference he also said, “Our objective was a win or a draw and we were content with holding Lajong in our own half.”

With this draw Rangdajied United FC have now avoided relegation with 25 points from all their I-league games this season, while Shillong Lajong FC remain in 5th position with 33 points from 23 games. The Reds will play their last game of the season against Mohun Bagan AC on April 27 in Kolkata.